A random caller says your computer has a virus. A pop-up says your device is infected and tells you to call a support number. A “technician” offers to fix everything if you just grant remote access and pay a fee. That is the classic tech support scam — and it is still catching people off guard. The FTC says tech support scammers use fear, fake warnings, and impersonation to trick people into handing over money, personal information, or remote access to their devices.
Why are unsolicited tech support calls dangerous?
Legitimate tech companies do not cold-call you to say there is a problem with your device. The FBI says real companies will never call out of the blue and offer tech support, and Microsoft says it will never proactively contact you with unsolicited PC or technical support.
That matters because once a scammer gets you on the phone, the playbook is predictable. The FTC says scammers often ask for remote access, pretend to scan your system, claim they found malware, and then demand payment through hard-to-recover methods like gift cards, wire transfers, bank transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment apps.
How common are tech support impersonation scams?
These scams are still widespread. According to the FTC, consumers submitted about 52,000 reports in 2023 about scammers impersonating Best Buy or its Geek Squad tech support brand, making it the most frequently impersonated company in that FTC data set. You can read the FTC’s official release here. [ftc.gov]
That is a good reminder that familiar brand names do not make a call or message trustworthy. Scammers count on recognition to lower your guard. [ftc.gov], [consumer.ftc.gov]
What are the biggest red flags?
If you get an unexpected tech support call, watch for these warning signs:
- The caller says your computer is infected before you reported any problem.
- The caller wants remote access to your device.
- The caller pressures you to act immediately or pay right away.
- The caller asks for payment by gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or cash.
- A pop-up or warning message tells you to call a phone number. The FTC says real security pop-up warnings from legitimate tech companies will never ask you to call a number, and Microsoft says genuine Microsoft error messages never include a phone number.
What should you do instead?
If you get one of these calls, do not engage. Hang up. The FBI says if you get a surprise tech support call, the safest move is to end it immediately.
Then take these safer steps:
- Check for alerts directly in your operating system or antivirus software instead of trusting the caller. The FTC recommends updating your security software and running a scan if you are worried about a real issue.
- Go to the company’s official website if you truly need support, and use contact information you know is real
- Never allow remote access to someone who contacted you first.
What if you already gave access or paid?
Act quickly:
- Disconnect the device from the internet if someone still has access.
- Run up-to-date antivirus or anti-malware software.
- Change passwords, especially if the scammer accessed your device or browser.
- Contact your bank or card issuer immediately if you paid.
- Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or to the FBI via IC3.
If someone calls out of nowhere claiming to be tech support, assume it is a scam until proven otherwise. Real operating system and antivirus alerts do not work like that. Slow down, hang up, run your own scan, and only use official support channels you find yourself. That one habit can protect your money, your device, and your identity.
